30 Jul Appointment of WW Operations Manager
Wombat’s Wish, Geelong’s not-for-profit organisation that supports children who have experienced the death of a parent is very pleased to announce the appointment of Nicki Dunne, as Wombat’s Wish’s first Operations Manager.
Nicki joins Wombat’s Wish after a stellar career leading the Bellarine Training and Community Hub (formally Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre) over a twenty-two year period.
Nicki brings to Wombat’s Wish extensive experience and knowledge in financial management, budgeting, board governance and extensive management skills. Additionally she is adept in grant writing, policy development, strategic planning, event planning, youth support and referral, youth advocacy, government compliance and camp planning. Nicki lead a team in guiding BTACH from a small Neighbourhood Centre to a vibrant, welcoming and awarded community Centre and training facility.
Hannah Dawes, the President of Wombat’s Wish stated that: “Nicki is well recognised for her work with young people on the Bellarine. Through the program ‘Drop In’, Nicki and her team were able to support over 3000 young people to cope with the challenges of their day to day lives. This experience that Nicki brings to Wombat’s Wish is invaluable and her leadership will see our programs, camps and support services grow and develop based on her knowledge and expertise.”
Nicki has been recognised both by Local and State Governments for her work with young people residing on the Bellarine. Additionally, Nicki holds many volunteer roles within her community. She currently sits on community boards as an executive member and also volunteers within local charities supporting vulnerable community members.
Wombat’s Wish delivers camps, support services and dedicated programs for children and their families, primarily servicing the Geelong region, Bellarine, Surf Coast and in 2019 expanded to take in the Wyndham LGA in western Melbourne. Wombat’s Wish has future growth aspirations to support more Victorian children and their families.
Wombat’s Wish is named after the highly successful UK not-for-profit Winston’s Wish, and assists children to find a way to live with loss and grief, to move forward and take the next steps on their bereavement journey.